Looking at the sporting goods shop today, there were the metal ammo cans and then they had the hard plastic ammo cans. Both had the O rings intact.
My thoughts is to get the metal ones because of EMP in case I need to put electronics in them, as well as being more durable. I really haven't seen any added benefit of the plastic ones except they are light weight. I figure anything plastic and with movable parts would break over time.
I actually prefer the plastic ammo cans. I use Plano field boxes. They don't rust or require sanding & repainting like the metal ammo cans. They are lighter, have brass latches (again, no rust) and are very low maintenance to keep.
The metal cans have better handles. Plastic can break, but metal can dent. In the end I went with plastic because of lower upkeep requirements.
I have both and don't see a draw back to either of them really. The plastic ones that I keep around I use for keeping regularly rotated ammo in and the metal ones all have long term stock in them.
The metal ones with a good seal are waterproof. We had to stash some extra shells while duck hunting in a managed zone, overboard they went, attached to a decoy and cord.
All I've ever used are the metal type as plastic does little for me as a rule. The metal are heavier by a pound or two than the plastic but once filled with ammo regardless they are heavy.
i have both when they deliver my bulk ammo its usually in the metal ones. i dotn mind one way or another as i give them to the kids when i get too many and roatate my stock
If you are buying bulk ammo you should seriously consider reloading. I sure does lower the costs and in my opinion you get better ammo better suited to your guns.
I only use mil-spec cans for ammo storage. They were relatively cheap around Bragg before I PCSed, are cheap around Riley, and are far more durable than most plastic cans. They're also easy to repaint, and re-stencil, which helps when I'm trying to repack them for storage.
Im a military guy who worked specifically with weapons and explosives daily even in routine day to day peace time operations at a weapons depot. I learned a few things about explosives during this time and how to safely store it for long term preservation. Uncle Sam has been playing this game for a long time. There is a reason they use the metal cans...day in day out they are more durable. They can set out on pallets in a open revetment under the tropical heat, the paint may fade but the sun doesnt make them brittle. They hold up better to temperture extremes as well. If the gasket seal is in tact they are water tight too. Cant tell you how many times on the ship, the space was flooded or the sprinkler system was accidently activated. We just sprayed them down with fresh water and restowed it, no problem.
Some may choose plastic but Bro, I am sticking with what I know will work come rain, sleet , snow or shine, and that would be metal ammo cans!
Plastic is nice it don't rust. But the metal ones will last a few life times and ca be painted. Plastic can not support as much weight when stacked Metal keep stacking
As for weight when you fill them up they are heavy no madder what they are made of.
I own 2 plastic ones the rest at metal
I use metal for ammo storage. Since they all look alike, I label them to identify the contents. I have opened a lot of ammo cans looking for the right one...hence the labels top and front...
I use the plastic boxes for lighter items that need organization such as reloading components like bagged brass primers etc. labeled as well...
I started using the 50 cal cans years ago for storage of hand and electric tool that would rust. I worked around products that were caustic and I had to keep all my tools in a tool box on my truck as I was living in an apartment at the time. When I started stockpiling ammo three years ago, I checked out the plastic boxes and wasn't impressed. I use the smaller 30cal boxes. They run about $10 apiece plus shipping.
The PVC makes sense if you plan on burying them, but a metal detector makes that idea futile. Worked with PVC for several years while in the pool trades between stints in the service, Doesn't take much for the threads to lock down to the point you need a pipe wrench to break them apart. A little aqua lube or PJ on the can gaskets and should never have a problem.
Most of the plastic ammo cans I've seen don't seal well.
Even though the seal is there....the fit isn't.
I use a few plastic ones for some primers and for some air gun stuff.
I had to cull through quite a few [new] before I found one or two
as the lids didn't really seat the seal for squat.
I use both and like both for different reasons. I hate rust so the plastic ones are great. The metal ones are tough so with the addition of securing bolts and a lock become great lock boxes. The plastic ones are lighter and don't scuff so they make great range gear containers. I don't think you will go wrong getting either one so price and availability win the day.
Strictly metal here also, have lots of them with ammo and some with batteries. Converting one now to be fireproof with sheet rock, same stuff they use in gun safes. Will store paper items it, then inside the fireproof gun vault for double protection. I have 1 large plastic ammo box I use for gun cleaning supplies, no more.
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